There is no finale to all this, just as substance abuse has no end in sight. Yet for the modern family, society has created more and more solutions to the drug addiction problems. For those who suffer codependency from drug abusers, many 12 step programs have “Open Meetings,” where those close to addicts can share; there are also Al-Anon meetings for those with alcohol abusing loved ones. Society does recognize the problem, and for families the real shining answer is often drug addicts are able to quit. They just need help to do it.

Yes, drug abuse does effect everyone. However, many books in the past decade have pointed out both positive and negative effects of drug abuse on children of drug abusers, and even spouses. How does that work? Actually, negative consequences are far more common, but in the hearts and minds of children is the capacity to see good in the bad, to survive. After all, no one has had the perfect life! Drug abuse and addiction … does … affect everyone within society, within the family, and within major systems which fight the war on drugs. It comes not from a doctor or counselor, but from someone who experienced drug addiction for many years. There is a road to recovery and a lot of lives have been spared through the help of 12 step programs, family, friends and doctors.